The blurring of many boundaries between the classical scientific disciplines prompted us to develop a flexible core curriculum that offers the broad education now necessary as a foundation for more specialized studies at the interface of life science research.
The academic program is based on different courses through which students are required to accumulate at least 300 hours (80 credit points ECTS) during the three year thesis period to be eligible for thesis defence:
* FdV courses
* FdV seminars
* External courses (option, see below)
* International workshops (at least two, financed by the graduate school)
In addition, students may follow for elective credits external disciplinary courses delivered in other graduate programs in the Paris region, upon approval of the IEFV directors.
| Year | Course a | Comment | hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creating Interdisciplinary Research Projects Workshop | Mandatory | 20 |
| Critical analysis of research articles | Mandatory | 20 | |
| FdV courses / external courses | 3 courses | 80 | |
| Student seminar – thesis project presentation | Mandatory | ||
| Total hours 1st year | 120 | ||
| 2 | FdV Courses | 3 courses | 80 |
| Student seminar – thesis advance presentation | Mandatory | ||
| Total hours 2nd year | 80 | ||
| 3 | Scientific writing | Mandatory | 20 |
| FdV Courses | 2 courses | 40 | |
| Advanced ‘interface’ seminars | One seminar | 20 | |
| Student seminar – thesis defense | Mandatory | ||
| Total hours 3rd year | 60 | ||
| International Workshops/Seminars x 2 | Mandatory | 40 | |
| Total hours PhD program in 3 years | 300 | ||
a - The IEFV courses are open to students of other doctoral program (by approval of the IEFV directors)
b - Choice of courses may be imposed by the IEFV directors in cases where students plan to work in a domain different than their master level. This will take place during the 1st year as a prerequisite to further participation in the ED program.
Evaluation
The grade for each seminar is based on the scientific content and the effectiveness of the student's presentation. The final grade for the seminar is determined by the mediator taking into consideration the participants' presentation and overall participation in the seminars' discussions. A participation in >80% of the sessions is required. The seminar grade and comments on the seminar presentation are communicated to each student.